Ashington skipper Karl Ross issues apology after Marc Ellison exit

Ashington skipper Karl Ross has spoken for the first time since news broke on Monday tea time that the Woodhorn Lane club and manager Marc Ellison had parted company by mutual agreement.

The Colliers, who currently occupy a relegation spot in the NPL East Division, have appointed ex-player Paul Dunn to take over in the dugout during the interim period while they look to appoint a new boss.

Dunn has subsequently brought in former Sunderland player Liam Bridcutt as his assistant. The players met Dunn and Bridcutt on Tuesday night ahead of a training session as they prepare for Saturday’s home league clash against Consett.

Reflecting on Ellison’s departure, Ashington captain Ross said: “First of all, on behalf of the players I’d like to apologise to Marc because we got him in this position. It was down to us at the end of the day because we haven’t been performing good enough.

“But that’s football and we move on. Now we need the fans, ourselves, the club, and everyone to come together as we try to get out of this difficult spell which we find ourselves in.”